Magical Bucket List: 8 Places To Go To In Manchester If You're A Harry Potter Fanatic

We can't imagine there'll ever be a time when Harry Potter isn't the most popular thing on the planet.

The Wizarding World that JK Rowling created all those years ago will live on in us forever, and its increasing popularity means more and more places are creating magical experiences for fans to try out.

With that in mind, we've created a bucket list of all the things in and around Manchester that Harry Potter fanatics need to try at least once...

There's a magical gift shop in Stockport that sells everything a Harry Potter obsessive could need, including gift sets, wands, and exclusive memorabilia.

Just a short walk from Mersey Way, Hoot opened just over a year ago and has been mesmerising wizardry fanatics ever since.

Image: Hoot / Facebook

2. Hoot Cafe - Stockport

Right next door to their store, Hoot opened up a stunning HP cafe in February, selling magical-themed tea, coffee, potions, chocolate frogs, sandwiches and cake for muggles of all ages looking for somewhere to take a much-needed respite away from the humdrum worries of the everyday.

Ever thought you have what it takes to use your magical prowess and take on mystical force, following in the footsteps in the steps of Harry, Ron and Hermione?

Lucardo in Manchester have created a University of Magic escape room where we can all live out our wizarding fantasies. You have 60 minutes to solve a number of puzzles before the time runs out.

4. Crux Emporium - Bolton

We're mad for the boy wizard, but even we have been blown away by the discovery of a Harry Potter bar - right here in Greater Manchester.

The Crux Emporium in Bolton is inspired by the World of Harry Potter and says it offers potions and themed drinks for any occasion.

5. Hogwarts Express - Bury Bolton Street Station

Thanks to the dreamy folk at East Lancashire Railway, ticket holders will get to experience a two hour journey on the Hogwarts Express style steam engine, all the while entertained by the enchanting cast of characters from the Wizarding World plus a load of wizard-themed activities.

Follow in your favourite characters' footsteps

6. Harry Potter Afternoon Tea - Haslington

If you've ever dreamed of feasting in the Great Hall at Hogwarts, there's a new adventure which is bringing you a step closer.

Sort of.

The Dearden Tea Rooms in Haslington (only 19 miles north of Manchester) is serving up a very special Harry Potter afternoon tea - and all muggles are invited.

Their 'Witchcraft & Wizardry Afternoon Tea' includes interactive activities, including broomstick training, followed by a witchcraft and wizardry graduation ceremony, and then the afternoon tea.

7. Luna Kids - Heaton Park

A huge open-air cinema is coming to Manchester this year, and they're screening some of your fave movies.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is featured on the line-up of films being shown this summer, along with The Greatest Showman and Disney's Moana.

Friday 24 August at 4pm - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Image: Luna Kids

8. Primark - Manchester City Centre

Let's face it, we owe a lot to Primark - trendy affordable clothes, a myriad of accessories, and an array of spectacular magical merchandise from only our favourite movie of all time.

Selling everything from Gryffindor and Slytherin PJs, hoodies, tees, snitch notepads and Quidditch World Cup bed-sheets, the dedicated section in the Manchester branch is everything a wizard or witches wildest dreams are made of.